There is a difference.
Satellite solar panel orientation.
Orienting the pv panel in a direction and tilt to maximize its exposure to direct sunlight will optimize the collection efficiency.
Photovoltaic pv panels collect solar radiation directly from the sun from the sky and from sunlight reflected off the ground or area surrounding the pv panel.
The rule is that if you live in the southern hemisphere you should point your panels true north and if you live in the northern hemisphere you should point them true south.
Now a compass tells you magnetic north and south but it does not show you true north and south.
Orientation of the panels.
In the northern hemisphere the general rule for solar panel placement is solar panels should face true south and in the southern true north.
In this post we give a brief overview of satellite solar panels and arrays sharing listings of multiple products available on the global marketplace if you would like to skip the introductory material and instead get straight to the product listings please click here.
For the best results solar panels should be oriented towards the south.
Usually this is the best direction because solar panels will receive direct light throughout the day.